14 May 2007

Restitution: For those who accidentally steal ink pens

I want it to be said that no small act of kindness should go unnoticed. While it is vitally important that we all do things for the greater good of humanity (like feed the homeless or help out a financially struggling single mother), it is also important that we don't ignore the "silly". It's quite possible that something small and ridiculous will brighten someone's day.

For instance, this endearing post was on the Austin Craigslist Missed Connections on May 3rd:

I never lend people pens, because they never give them back. However, I was willing to take a chance on your returning my pen, as I was sitting next to you. Yet, somehow when I looked up, you were gone, and so was my pen.

I realize it's just a pen, but dammit, dont say "May I BORROW a pen" if you plan on walking away with it.
I immediately wrote back:
I didn't take your pen, but I would like to give you one on behalf of all people who accidentally take pens. I will email you back with a secret location where you can pick up your new pen.

Sincerely,
The Missed Connection Fairy
In two days, I am going to plant a new pen in a secret location and will email him with directions. He's going to leave a mix CD in its place. I can't wait!
[photo credit: big e mr g]

Kindness: Because stuff like this never makes the news

Random acts of kindness. They happen all the time, especially in a city as congenial as Austin. But when you tune in to the nightly news, most of the reports are about senseless acts of violence. Quite frankly, it has me feeling quite blue.

Violence happens. We know that, but how about this: do we know that there are senseless acts of kindness, too? Check out this post on Craigslist and this article in the Seattle Times about random acts of kindness.

Purposes and goals of ATXanonymous:

  • To make Austin a better place one kind act at a time
  • To encourage others to take time out to do good
  • To use this blog as a place to thank anonymous do-gooders
In the near future, I'd like to:
  • Create printable Austin specific "Pass it On" cards alá the Smile Cards at HelpOthers.org. [Edit 16 May 2007. Cards have been made. Yippee!]
  • Set up some kind of online wishlist for families in need so that families with excess can help
  • Match volunteers with local agencies that need volunteer workers.
I have chosen Amélie as the patron saint of this website and will be using her moniker. My real name (and hopefully my identity) will remain anonymous. Why Amélie? In the movie she becomes inspired to perform random acts of kindness for the strangers and loved ones around her. In enriching other people's lives, she found that her own became enriched. I think that if this web site catches on, the entire city of Austin will become enriched, too.